Elmvale Sales Barn Perseverance will Prevail
By Linda Belcourt, Editor, April 21, 2025
The good ole sales barn faces struggle once again. Three years ago, there was a fire at the main barn and snack bar area. This harsh winter did more damage from the weight of the heavy snow. In early March, the roof caved. It will need to be taken down as both fronts on the barn are damaged. There is extensive damage to the snack bar, vendor section and electrical room. Engineers are performing an inspection to assess the full damage.
Ashley Bates is the current owner and is the third generation to run this unique shopping destination. 1989 Ashley’s grandparents, Frank and Beaulah Bates purchased the property. Ashley’s father, Frank Bates Jr, took over operations from his parents and ran it for more than forty years. He then turned the lead over to Ashley, his daughter. Despite the many setbacks Ashley remains positive. She spoke with conviction, “Perseverance will prevail”. The barn will be ready, and they are providing vendor permits now. This is one determined family nestled in a determined community ready to help support this great tradition.
The Bates family cares about its venders and shoppers. When the Roxadus Rock Concert was planned but did not happen. Many people were frauded and the venders were victims. The Bates invited all the vendors to sell their wares at the Sales Barn for Free.
Many locals have had some involvement with the iconic Elmvale Sales Barn and Event Centre at 1568 County Road 92 between Elmvale and Wasaga Beach. Linda Belcourt, Editor of North Simcoe Springwater News, had her first job at the snack bar learning work ethic from the Collings family of Anten Mills. Linda’s father, Morley Marchant, worked with Archer Cardwell running the cattle for the auction. Ashley hired Linda’s daughter at the BBQ snack bar keeping the tradition that small towns create. When Morley Marchant worked there were around 900 venders. It was a meeting place for farmers that would buy and sell cows, sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks. Now there are 100 venders that are focused on different products.
Traditionally, the market operates every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday Ashley Bates describes the market, “[It is an] incredible experience with many cultures and different people from all around”. There are many vendors that have been with the sales barn for more than 25 years. The good range from fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, clothing, collectables, and antiques. So come out and support the market this summer.